A successful collaborative research project: determining the effects of delayed castration on beef cattle production and carcass traits and consumer acceptability
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Journal of Extension
Volume
44
Issue
2
Publication Date
2006
Abstract
A cooperative, on-ranch study was conducted to determine the effect of time of castration on ADG, carcass characteristics, and consumer preference. Sixty-five bull calves were randomly assigned to three treatments: early castrates (E), weaned castrates (W) and late castrates (L). Results indicated no differences between treatments for ADG, backfat, ending live weight, hot carcass weight, or dressing percentage. Ribeye area and cutability were higher for the L, and marbling score and yield grade were lower for L. Consumer panelists who ate beef regularly identified E as more tender, juicy, and flavorful and had better overall acceptability than W or L.
Recommended Citation
Heaton, Kevin, Dale R. ZoBell, and Daren Cornforth 2006. A successful collaborative research project: determining the effects of delayed castration on beef cattle production and carcass traits and consumer acceptability Journal of Extension Vol. 44, No. 2:.
